First Look: Elmyriachi, Kirkwood

Elmyriachi — the recently opened Kirkwood spinoff of the Little Five Points Tex-Mex hangout, Elmyr — has already proven wildly popular in a neighborhood that has sometimes struggled to hold on to viable dining options.

The look: Located in a former Mrs. Winner’s space, the casual spot is a much bigger, more family-friendly version of the original Elmyr. The freestanding building is surrounded by a parking lot, and the spacious, partially covered front patio makes an inviting destination. Inside, the shiny wood bar and tidy dining room are appointed with Mexican kitsch and local art from the likes of R. Land.

The scene: One sunny afternoon, most the action was on the patio, where a cadre of tattooed servers hustled orders to a sociable crowd that appeared thrilled just to be eating lunch outdoors. At the bar, the steady stream of to-go orders rivaled the drink orders.

The food: The menu mimics Elmyr in covering Tex-Mex favorites, from queso and chips ($5.75) to hefty burritos ($6.75-$9.75), though there are a few new wrinkles. Tacos ($8.75-$9.75) come two to an order on corn or flour tortillas with rice and beans. Smoked Tacos with pork or brisket are topped with barbecue sauce, Monterey jack cheese, radish, and pickled cabbage, onions and jalapenos. The Thai Burrito ($8.75) is a roll of tofu or chicken with rice, veggies, mung bean sprouts, egg and peanut sauce. Order quesadillas ($5.75-$9.75) with cheese, chicken or steak.